The SEA Games Experience

In my short stay here I'd say there's not much to see in Jakarta. Tall buildings, terrible traffic and hot weather are perhaps the best things I will remember. Well, I was sent here to work; I had to watch over our sponsored players during the SEA Games.

My first time to watch a SEA Games tourney live.

But life, really, has its twists. I wasn't here only to supervise the golfers. Fate brought me to be reminded of life's crucial lessons.


Accept trials with open arms
There will come a time when we will be given great responsibilities. This tasks, as I've come to realize, are not meant to punish us. They are actually opportunities to make us better, challenges to bring out the best of our abilities. 


Be grateful
These golfers are provided with everything they need. They have food, lodging, uniforms and all other stuff. Quite frankly, I think a few of them need to be reminded of how fortunate they are that someone is so willing to spend millions for them. I observed that these few are not in their best conditions at all times; they could have done better during the game. There actions yesterday reminded me that I should be thankful to have been blessed with people who provide me with the things I need, and in return do my best constantly. It's a simple way of showing thank you.


Magnanimous in victory, gracious in defeat
I'm a sore loser but the athletes' actions kind of rebuked me.. Yesterday's champions were proud of themselves yet they were modest about it. Meanwhile, those of us who did not make it to the top were humble enough to accept our loss but are more determined to do better the next time. As I told our men's team, "Charge it to experience. We lost today, but moments like these make champions."






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Will the odds be in its favor?

I can very much remember how hooked up I was last year with The Hunger Games trilogy. At first I ignored the books 'cause I thought it might just be another Twilight saga. But my curiosity got into me and I finally grabbed a copy.

Every page was full of excitement. Every chapter made me want to read more. I could not close the book even if my eyes already did. The story in general was violent and cruel. But the drama, the action and the suspense drew me close that I bought the second book on the same day I finished the first.

This novel moved me; it stirred all sorts of emotions in me: hope, grief, triumph, despair, courage, frustration, success, hatred, joy. Katniss' care for her younger sister was one thing I can very much relate to. We, in some ways, share the same sentiments, beliefs and nature. I have to say that among all characters I met, she is the most realistic, the "most human" and the only one I ever had connection with.

Right after I finished the saga I knew that Hollywood producers will make an effort to turn it into a blockbuster movie. So I wasn't really surprised when news came out early this year about the casts. What I am anticipating is really the movie itself, and if the adaptation will be as exciting as the master copy. (Of course I know they are two different forms of arts!) And thanks to social networking sites, I found one of its promotional venues. I signed up at The Capitol weeks ago to receive updates about the film. I honestly like the gimmick of getting your personal Panem ID, which really makes you feel part of the Hunger Games.

I owe it to my beloved District 7 that I was able to right away see the official trailer of one of the most anticipated movies of 2012. I watched it last night. And I watched it again several times before I slept. I just couldn't contain myself of the excitement! It was that same level of anticipation when I saw the sneak peak of the last Harry Potter movie. I thought the actors were rightfully selected for the roles, the costumes were apt and the setting was true to the narratives of the book. But..

It was only a trailer. It was intentionally made to entice an audience so that they would draw closer to watching the whole thing. It was like an amuse-bouche that the decision of serving it lies not to the patron but to the head of the kitchen. Similarly, we were only given the best scenes  in that two-and-a-half-minute preview chosen by no less than the director, and that the only way to determine the success of the production is to wait for 128 days.

I am hoping that The Hunger Games movie will not fall to the category of those who fail to deliver exceptional story line and good performances from its lead casts. Though I've seen several films make appealing trailers but fall short on the entirety of the masterpiece, I am optimistic that The Hunger Games movie will bring the same height of thrill and adventure everybody loved of the tale.

Photo taken from the official Facebook page

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One Day in the Witch's House

We were on our way to Laguna this morning when the four of us started to feel terrible. My boss, two of my colleagues and I had undeniably felt the agonizing sensation of hunger. So we stopped at this small "pad" in Magallanes. It's called Park Avenue Desserts.


It's a tiny pastry shop that can barely sit ten people. Yet the mouthwatering sweets displayed on the counter are enough to stop and entice passing by customers looking for a light snack before taking a long travel time.

Some of the tempting cakes ready to be served.

And so we ordered. The thing is, I don't have sweet tooth so I settled for something savory. I originally ordered Truffled Egg Sandwich but the main ingredient was out of stock. Thanks to an old lady waiting behind me at the queue, I got this Italian Club. Her suggestion really satisfied my  appetite.

PAD's Italian Club served with salted kamote chips

It was served fresh and hot. the bread was rightfully toasted that it was crisp yet soft in the inside. The combination of tomato, crushed basil in olive oil, mozzarella cheese and ham worked really well together. With the right amount of saltiness and tinge of sweetness, I could have finished all four servings.


But I didn't; I traded one slice from my pal for this Fig and Prosciutto. Unlike the Italian Club, I think there was a bit of imbalance in this sandwich. It was my first to try fig and I find it too sweet. Maybe it was the amount of spread but it kind of did overpower the flavor of the meat. I know the cured ham is there when I took a bite but I couldn't taste it.

A portion of Fig and Prosciutto sandwich

Caramel Macchiato

And what's the best way to perk up a work-loaded morning but  to take a cup of hot coffee. I've always preferred lattes but today I opted for caramel macchiato. It wasn't as sweet as Starbucks', which actually worked well for me. There was right amount of creamy, bitter, sweet taste all blended nicely together. No need to add those little meringues at the side.


My friend wasn't crazy about this Rocca. But I didn't try it so I cannot vouch for it. It looks delicious though.

Overall I had a wonderful experience at PAD. I'll definitely go back to try the desserts.

For more info, search PAD's contact details here.


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Dead or Alive

It's a Filipino tradition to commemorate the death of a loved one. Oftentimes people visit the grave of a lost family member, a friend or even a renowned personality during the first day of November (Quite ironic, I think, as the day is actually to celebrate the saints of the Catholic Church). My family is no different to this.

I grew up not knowing most of my grandparents. My lolo Rodrigo passed away years before I was born. It has been a practice that we visit his tomb yearly. So despite the scorching heat of the sun, my mother, siblings and I brought flowers and candles to South Cemetery in Makati last Tuesday.

About fifteen minutes after we settled, my mom led us in prayer of the rosary (which I have stopped believing in since high school). I was expecting that we would leave afterwards but she said, “Maya-maya na anak. Minsan lang natin bisitahin ang lolo mo.”

But how does he know we're here? He’s dead. And I honestly don't think our presence here matters. Neither is the effort of million others who are out of their homes right now. 

Those were my thoughts as I try to deeply understand the observance of Undas in the country. I don't know when and how it started but obviously it's been embedded in me. 

Many say it's the opportune time to pay respect to someone we lost and a chance to reunite with relatives and friends. I'm not sure if I still believe that. What I know is that the best time to show love for someone is when they are still alive, when they can still see, hear and feel us. While a dead person's body remains here on Earth, I say he is no longer part of this world. As the ones left behind, we can only reminisce of the good memories we have of that person.

Likewise, any day could be an option for a family reunion. There's Christmas, New Year's Eve and birthdays. Any where could be a place to celebrate, but a mausoleum? It's quite inappropriate to have merriment in a supposed to be solemn place actually. 

Close ties is perhaps the best explanation for this tradition. Filipinos are family-oriented; we care so much for our kin that it's hard for us to let go of them even if they are already gone. As for me, I'd rather focus on the present, on my loved ones, so I won't have to regret anything someday.

Every day is crucial. We should make the most out of it.

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Sautéed Pork Bits on Bed of Mashed Potato with Mango Puree

I remember months ago I wanted to cook something different for my sister for her lunch at school. She somehow grew tired of the common pambaon dishes like adobo, fried chicken and corned beef. So I scouted our cupboard, refrigerator and freezer for some available ingredients. 

I came up with this. 

I really tried my best to make it appetizing. Maybe you can do better using below ingredients (I'm trying to recall them as I write):

What you need:

• ¾ cup menudo cut pork
• 3 tbsp minced red onion
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp minced red bell pepper
• ¼ cup sliced bacon
• ½ cup mango puree
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup button mushroom
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 medium-size potatoes
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh milk
• Salt and pepper

Here’s how:

Mashed potato 

1. Wash and peel potatoes. Boil in water until thoroughly soft.
2. Mash the potato well in a large bowl. Make sure to avoid lumps.
3. Add butter and milk, then season with salt. Mix thoroughly. Set aside

 Mango puree sauce 

1. Bring mango puree to a light boil over low fire.
2. Add lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
3. You may also opt to add sugar to make it sweeter.

 For the protein 

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium fire. Add onion and cook until it turns translucent.
2. Add pork, sauté for a minute then add bacon. Continue stirring until pork turns light brown. Add red bell pepper, season with salt and pepper. Cook for another two minutes.
3. To do the garnish, heat the remaining oil in a pan over low fire. Brown mushroom. Add cabbage and cook for not more than a minute. Remove from fire.

 To plate 

1. Using a molder, place the mashed potato on one side of the plate.
2. Carefully arrange on top the sautéed meat then pour about 2-3 tbsp of the puree (You may add more to fit your liking).
3. On the other side, place the mixed veggies.

Please let me know what you think of this dish. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. 

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One Word

I heard a knock on a glass panel near me but I ignored it. The same sound was repeated and this time I realized someone was standing by my station. I turned around.

“I need a copy of the annual report from 2006 to2010, “ the French man from the next office said.  “I came here last week and took copies of 2006 to 2010 annual report. I need one copy each from those years again”. His voice was calm yet imperative.

I assured him I’ll ask my colleague for copies since she files all documents. “Once I complete them I’ll bring them to your office,” I added.

“Hard copies. I need hard copies of 2006 to 2010 annual reports,” he repeated like I didn’t understand his first sentence. (Paulit-ulit?!)

I replied, “Yeah. I’ll bring them to your office, Sir.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Then he left.

He left forgetting something, which I think is, important. He forgot to ask.

Please - a one syllable word that without a doubt can be said effortlessly.

But why did this person fail to ask politely? Was it his culture? His nationality? Or perhaps his position, a manager needing something from a staff?

I was once taught to always use the magic words in a conversation: thank you, I’m sorry, may I and please. These simple yet colorful words mean so much that one can actually create the mood of a discussion. Imagine someone asking you to do him a favor and use these phrases. 

“I’m sorry to bother you but may I ask for annual reports from 2006 to 2010? Please give me hard copies.” 

What a difference will it make! For one, you will feel valued because the person acknowledges that you have the ability to aid him. You’d, likewise, understand the importance of his need and would want to help enthusiastically.

Sadly this is not the case more often than not. I observed that most working people are always pressed for time; rushing to get things done, ignoring small, valuable things around them. But if you look at it, it’s not hard at all. One only needs to be sensitive of his environment, learn to care for other people’s feelings and recognize their potential contributions.

Saying “please” is as easy as counting 1, 2, 3. It’s a simple word that shows a thousand meaning; one word that may define someone’s character.

Is it really that hard to ask politely? Please tell me.

Photo taken from Google Images.

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